Top Suckermouth Catfish Fishing Countries

Suckermouth catfish, primarily from the family Loricariidae, are freshwater fish native to South America, especially the Amazon Basin. Recognized for their armored bodies and distinctive mouth adapted for clinging to surfaces and scraping algae, the most famous species is the common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus). While not a major target of commercial fisheries, suckermouth catfish are harvested in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, mainly for the aquarium trade rather than for food consumption. Brazil leads in both wild-capture and aquaculture of these catfish, exporting them globally. In recent years, some Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Thailand, have also begun breeding suckermouth catfish for the aquarium industry, making them significant players in the international trade of these ornamental fish.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.